Felix Behm – Generation Z and Alpha: Two generations that are shaping our future

Guest article by Felix Behm:

Never before have two generations changed the world of work and society as lastingly as Generation Z (born 1995-2009) and its successors, Generation Alpha (from 2010). With new values, digital habits and clear expectations, they are radically changing the way we work, live and communicate. Felix Behm, Gen Z expert, keynote speaker and author of the book “Generation Z – Completely different than expected”, provides in-depth insights into the thought and action patterns of these young generations in his work. In this blog article, we take a comprehensive look at the most important characteristics, differences and similarities between the two generations – and what we can learn from them.

1. Who is Generation Z?

Generation Z grew up with smartphones. They don’t know a world without the internet, social media and streaming. At the same time, they have experienced far-reaching global events such as climate change, the coronavirus pandemic and geopolitical crises. These experiences shape their thinking: security, a sense of purpose and work-life separation are core values.

According to Felix Behm, Generation Z is not lazy or unmotivated, but choosy and demanding – because they can afford it. In a labor market with a shrinking number of applicants, they can make demands: for meaningful tasks, genuine appreciation, flexible working hours and participation in decision-making.

2. How is Generation Alpha different?

Generation Alpha is described as the first fully digitally socialized generation. While Z-ers were still getting to grips with cell phones, Alphas experience a fully networked world from birth: voice assistants, smart toys, digital schooling.

Behavioural researchers and education experts predict that this generation will focus even more on individuality, self-fulfilment and fluid role models. It will not only place high demands on employers, but also on politics, education and social participation.

3. Digitalization as a link

Both generations are linked by digitalization. But while Generation Z is still familiar with analog remnants (e.g. fax machines, DVDs, landlines), Generation Alpha is at home in a completely digital reality. The result: Z is adaptable, but often skeptical. Alpha, on the other hand, is intuitively digital.

Felix Behm explains how these differences affect career choices, communication and media use. Z communicates via text and voice messages, uses Instagram as a news source, is easily bored and is used to switching between platforms. Alpha will probably consume even more selectively and fleetingly – a challenge for marketing, education and management.

4. The working world of tomorrow

Generation Z is already changing the rules of the job. They expect feedback, flat hierarchies, flexible models such as working from home and a four-day week. Companies that stick to “the way things have always been” will lose them. Felix Behm advises that employers must see themselves as learners and be open to new formats of collaboration.

These trends will intensify as Generation Alpha enters the workforce from around 2025. Topics such as remote work, gamification, project-based learning and mental health will play key roles. If you want to attract young talent, you have to listen, experiment and practise participative leadership.

5. Changing values and new lifestyles

Felix Behm describes in the book that many Z-ers do not define themselves by performance or status symbols, but by community, meaning and self-efficacy. Alpha will continue along this path. Ownership, hierarchies and rigid life plans have had their day. Instead, fluid biographies, job hopping, patchwork families and hybrid educational paths are emerging.

This change in values is both an opportunity and a challenge. It requires older generations to be willing to listen and relinquish control. Felix Behm emphasizes that leadership today requires less power and more coaching skills.

6. What companies, schools and politicians need to do now

The key question is: How do we prepare for this future? Felix Behm provides concrete answers:

• Companies need real encounters with young people
• Schools need to become more creative and individual – away from frontal teaching and towards project-oriented work.
• Politics must involve young people instead of just talking about them.

7. Conclusion: Generation Z and Alpha as future skills

Generation Z is not the problem, but the key to the solution. And Generation Alpha will complement them with even more digital, social and creative potential. Felix Behm calls for these generations to be understood rather than judged – and for their strengths to be used as an impetus for a fairer, more sustainable and more humane society.

Tip: If you want to delve deeper, you should read Felix Behm’s book “Generation Z – Ganz anders als gedacht” or subscribe to his podcast “Generation Z Talk”. It features real voices of young people, exciting interviews and plenty of food for thought.

Book Felix Behm as a speaker: +1 (704) 804 1054 or felix.behm@premium-speakers.com